Ancient Indian Tradition Produced Great Thinkers Like Buddha and Gandhi: His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala

His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the ‘Convention for Global Peace in the Path of Buddha and Gandhi’, organised by Gandhi Smriti in collaboration with Central University of Himachal Pradesh, 2 December 2017. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/DIIR

Dharamshala: A Keynote speaker at the ‘Convention for Global Peace in the Path of Buddha and Gandhi’, His Holiness the Dalai Lama today said that time was ripe for modern India to revive its thousand-year-old trove of wisdom that produced great beings like Buddha and Gandhi.

“While Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi are individually very important but more important is what and how did they become such extraordinary beings. It is the ancient Indian tradition and knowledge that created such beings. In that respect, we have the same opportunity to become like Mahatma Gandhi and Buddha. Now in modern time, more Gandhis and Buddha should be produced through a revival of this ancient Indian tradition,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, addressing the opening of three-day peace convention here at Dharamshala Government College.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the ‘Convention for Global Peace in the Path of Buddha and Gandhi’, organised by Gandhi Smriti in collaboration with Central University of Himachal Pradesh, 2 December 2017. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/DIIR

Non-violence, compassion and religious tolerance were India’s ancient values, and the time has come to export it to the rest of the world, His Holiness told the gathering of senior Gandhians and scholars of India.

While appreciating India’s ancient tradition, he noted that it should be revived through a universal education system, not religion.

“Only the Indian tradition focuses on the training of mind and how to deal with emotions. Although thousand years old, these knowledge are still very relevant and is much advanced than quantum physics.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the ‘Convention for Global Peace in the Path of Buddha and Gandhi’, organised by Gandhi Smriti in collaboration with Central University of Himachal Pradesh, 2 December 2017. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/DIIR

Lamenting the scale of violence and sufferings in the world, His Holiness said it was the urgent responsibility of entire humanity to bring out effective nonviolent solutions to table.

“To actualise the kind of action that can bring peace on the planet, one must first develop inner peace, irrespective of whether believer or non-believer. The young brothers and sisters have the opportunity to see a more peaceful world so you have the responsibly to create that kind of world, not only through prayer but action.”

In his address, Professor Samdong Rinpoche spoke about the unique philosophies that His Holiness offered to the world and his lifelong contribution to humanity.

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s three commitments are really a source of inspiration. He offered a number of very unique principles or philosophy, such as philosophy of universal responses, philosophy of art of happiness, how to bring peace, how to counter negative emotions not only by religion but through secular ethics,” Professor Samdong Rinpoche said.

Professor Samdong Rinpoche speaking at the ‘Convention for Global Peace in the Path of Buddha and Gandhi’, organised by Gandhi Smriti in collaboration with Central University of Himachal Pradesh, 2 December 2017. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/DIIR

“His Holiness always says that peace is depended on inner peace of mind; that is the idea of Buddha and also thought of Gandhi.”

Rinpoche also spoke about how His Holiness inspired six million Tibetans to embrace non-violence in the most chaotic period in Tibetan history. “Tibetan movement was not completely free from violence, but due to His Holiness’ consistent advice, the entire 6 million people followed him and the Tibetan movement completely nonviolence since 1967; inspite of all problems, difficulties and provocation, not a single case of violence indie or diaspora has been reported.”

A book on Gandhi being presenting to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at inaugural of the Convention on Global Peace in Path of Buddha and Gandhi at Dharamshala Government College, 2 December 2017. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/DIIR

He then remarked on His Holiness’ effective promotion of measures to improve human dignity and ethics through finding a secular, universal education system.

Speaking in praise of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a representative of the Gandhi Smriti, said, “The epitome of non vile action. Gandhi Smriti in association with c u of Himachal Pradesh, gratitude that your holiness accepted our request and blessed this convention. We all hope to learn from you the art and science of non-violent action, the dimension and ethos of Buddha and Gandhi and how to imbibe these in our daily lives.”

The Global Convention in Path of Buddha and Gandhi is an august gathering of Buddhist and Gandhian scholars, dedicated to give an impetus to global peace efforts all around the world. As a result of the meeting, the scholars will produce a proposal for global peace efforts which will be presented to UNO and international organisations for peace.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama lighting the auspicious lamp at the inaugural of ‘Convention for Global Peace in the Path of Buddha and Gandhi’, organised by Gandhi Smriti in collaboration with Central University of Himachal Pradesh, 2 December 2017. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/DIIR

Members of audience at ‘ The Convention for Global Peace in the Path of Buddha and Gandhi’, organised by Gandhi Smriti in collaboration with Central University of Himachal Pradesh, 2 December 2017. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/DIIR